MP’s concern over
waste fall-out threat
by David Skentelbery
AN MP has spoken out on what he says are “areas of great concern” over proposals for a giant waste incinerator ? the fall-out from which could hit Warrington.
Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall ? who lives in Warrington – is particularly concerned about the possible impact of emissions from the plant on Ince Marshes, near Frodsham.
Peel Holdings – owners of the Manchester Ship Canal – are expected to submit a planning application for the so-called Ince Recovery Park later this months.
The proposal is to construct a power station that will produce energy from burning treated waste.
They are also proposing to build a waste recycling plant on the same site, with waste to be incinerated treated off-site and brought to Ince Marshes by barge along the Manchester Ship Canal.
Waste for sorting and recycling will be brought to and taken from the site by a variety of methods including heavy lorries.
Mr Hall says there are six areas of great concern.
Firstly, can large quantities of waste be burnt safely to produce energy without producing emissions that are harmful to public health and the environment?
Secondly,the MP questions the need for another huge industrial complex on a green field site in North Cheshire and the impact it would have on the visual amenityh of the area.
He also questions the ability of local roads to cope with more heavy, industrial traffic and also the principle of bringing in waste from other areas for processing.
“Should Cheshire only take responsibility for dealing with our own waste?” he asks.
Finally Mr Hall queries the availability of other alternatives for dealing with waste other than incineration and landfill and the implications for residential areas near the site.
He said: “There is no doubt the Peel Holdings proposals are very controversial, they have caused real concerns for local residents and for people who live within the emissions fall-out zone of the proposed incinerator. They have also caused real concerns for those who live along the road routes to Ince Marshes.
“When the planning application is submitted and a decision is made about how that application is going to be dealt with everyone will be entitled to have their say. Meanwhile everyone should visit the Incinerator Action Group web page to find out more details about this proposal.”
Stargazer publishes
his first book
by Lesley Wilkinson
AN amateur astronomer from Warrington has realised a lifelong ambition by having a book published that will be on sale throughout the world.
Mark Allison, 36, of Oaklands Street, Padgate, has had his book “Star Clusters” published by Springer, one of the world?s largest science media companies.
A graphic artist working for a printing company in Altrincham, he has spent most of his free time for a year writing the book which is targeted mainly at amateur observers.
He said his wife, Janette, was very supportive bringing “lots of cups of tea” as he worked up to five hours a day on the computer.
Mark, who was born in 1969 – the year the first man landed on the moon – has had a lifelong interest in astronomy and space. Prior to his book being published has written a few articles for popular science magazines.
“Last January an editor who had read my work, called me out of the blue to ask if I would be interested in writing a book – I jumped at the chance,” he said.
He said the book is targeted at amateur observers of the night sky and also at “armchair astronomers” or those with a more casual interest in the universe. It contains many astro-photographs taken by Manchester amateurs Tony O’Sullivan and Cliff Meredith.
Mark said: “I have always has a passion for writing, and it just goes to show that even amateurs can make a contribution to science. Star clusters are superb targets for small telescopes and binoculars, even from the North West, and can be seen all year round.”
Mark, who has a couple of telescopes, spends as much time as he can observing the night sky.
He said that stars are both mystical and beautiful, and they produce most of the elements and therefore the ingredients for the human body.
“To put it simply, if the stars did not exist – then neither would we,” said Mark.
The book published this month in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia, will be officially launched at the Astrofest exhibition in London in February.
Police hunt for
missing man
by John Hendon
POLICE at Warrington are searching for a man who has been missing since Wednesday.
Ronald Travis, aged 57, from Penketh has not been seen since 8.30am on Wednesday.
He is 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with graying black, close cropped hair. He has brown eyes, a moustache and his complexion is described as weathered.
When last seen he was wearing a high visibility jacket, navy blue jumper, blue jeans and white trainers. Police are anxious to speak to anyone that may have seen or had contact with him since Wednesday.
Police are continuing to conduct extensive enquiries in an attempt to trace Mr Travis in and around the Warrington area.
A spokesman said: “It may be that he doesn?t wish to return home immediately but we would ask that he makes contact with police or family to provide everyone with reassurance he is safe and well.”
Anyone who can help – including Mr Travis himself, is asked to call police on 01925 652222.
Patients to get a
choice of hospitals
by Lesley Wilkinson
PATIENTS from Warrington will soon have a greater choice over where and when they get hospital treatment.
Rather than being referred directly to hospital for their first outpatient appointment, patients will generally be given four or five hospitals to choose from – and will be given information to help them choose.
Tim Deeprose, Warrington Primary Care Trust’s director of commissioning and development, said: “This initiative ensures that patients are more involved in deciding where they go for treatment. We know from talking to local people that this is something which is important to them.”
Dr Rajkumar, a GP at The Eric Moore Partnership Surgery in Warrington, said: “The current choice initiative being introduced within the NHS offers ownership of the referral process to the patients.
“It also allows GP practices and hospital trusts to harness several exciting modernisation initiatives that are firmly aimed at transforming existing care pathways for patients, added Dr Rajkumar.
New booklets will soon be available at GP surgeries across Warrington to help patients make their choice. They contain comparative information about local hospitals, including waiting times, MRSA rates, access and cancelled operations, to enable patients to choose.
Patients will be able to take away information to help them make choices and will ring the hospital of their choice to make a booking later.
Practices across Warrington are in the process of having computer systems upgraded so that they are able to offer the new Choose and Book service.
Motorists face 10
weeks of congestion
by Terry Johnson
DRIVERS must brace themselves for 10 weeks of congestion on a busy commuter route at Padgate, Warrington.
United Utilities plan to rip up King Edward Street/Padgate Lane to put in new water mains.
The work starts on Monday (Jan 9 )and water chiefs say traffic disruption is ?inevitable?.
Restrictions will be imposed on traffic in the area and diversions signposted.
A Town Hall spokeswoman said: “Traffic delays are expected. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if they can”.
Maintenance work
to close roads
by staff reporter
THREE roads in Penketh, Warrington will be affected by closure orders for six weeks to allow essential maintenance works.
Parts of Stocks Lane, Friends Lane and Meeting Lane
will be closed by carriageway and footway orders from Monday, January 16.
Stocks Lane traffic can use Liverpool Road, Sankey Way, Penketh Road, Warrington Road, Widnes Road and Farnworth Road.
News in brief
Safer cycles
THE Scouts are joining forces with the police for a security marking initiative for bicycles at the Scout Centre, in Jackson Avenue, Culcheth, Warrington today (Saturday) between 10am and 1pm.
Bungalow refused
BOROUGH Council planners have thrown out proposals for a bungalow for a disabled person on the site of an existing workshop on land off Greymist Avenue, Woolston, Warrington.
Footpath closure
WARRINGTON Borough Council has made an order to temporarily close the footpaths on both sides of Chester Road, near to its junction with Gainsborough Road, Warrington from Monday while structural maintenance work is carried out on the Chester Road swing bridge. Only one footpath will be closed at any one time and it is expected the work will take about 30 days.
School car park
PLANS to resurface the site of former temporary classrooms at Padgate High School, Insall Road, Fearnhead, Warrington, to form an overspill car park has been approved by borough planners.
